Chris Deshazor, candidate for the Holly Springs Town Council

Nine people are on the ballot for three open seats on the Holly Springs Town Council.

Five candidates are running for two four-year seats: incumbent Danielle Hewetson, who was appointed in January; Jack Turnwald; Brian Dennis; Staci Almquist; and Chris Deshazor.

Candidates Annie Drees, Scoop Green, Travis Groo and Brian Norman are running for a two-year seat.

Early voting in the Nov. 7 election runs through Nov. 4. For information about polling sites, voter and Election Day information, residents can visit the state Board of Elections, ncsbe.gov, or the Wake County Board of Elections, wake.gov.

Name: Chris Deshazor

Age: 50

Residence: 416 Gooseberry Drive

Occupation/Employer: Harness.io - Director of Talent and Organization Development

Education: BS - Virginia Tech, MBA University of North Carolina Wilmington

Political or civic experience: Holly Springs Planning Board 6 years (Current Chairman)

Campaign website: www.chris4hs.com

Tell us why you’re running to serve Holly Springs. Why should voters trust you in this position?

I am running to serve our community and help lead our change for a prosperous future. I have owned and lived in Holly Springs for 16 years and have seen substantial growth. As a six-year member and two-year chair of the planning board, I have had the chance to gain an understanding of the processes to grow responsibly and add value to this town. Voters should trust me based on my past work with the town, staff, and planning board. The pillars of my platform, Responsible Growth, Engaged Leadership, Driving a Unified Community, and a Focus on the Future have been displayed by me during my tenure on the Planning Board, and I will continue to build the trust of the citizens of Holly Springs.

What is the town of Holly Springs doing right to manage growth? What could be improved?

Holly Springs updated its Unified Development Ordinance recently to adapt to the changes in growth patterns. This adaptation allowed the town to modernize its growth plan and meet the needs of residents and the town. The town has done a great job of attracting businesses to bring jobs as well as level the business tax base which helps lessen the tax burden on residents. Also, updating ordinances such as tree preservation, utility and infrastructure requirements, and open space and conservation was key. By adding the proper processes to encourage responsible growth, Holly Springs has the structure to drive effective growth. One item that can be improved is the infrastructure. The town has grown so quickly that the growth is outpacing the infrastructure. As the town works to provide better infrastructure, the growing pains are difficult for many residents.

If elected, how would you approach an existing or new issue differently from your fellow council members?

I would approach issues by utilizing the methods that I use in my professional career. I am a Crucial Conversations certified trainer and utilize those skills to create dialogue daily. If elected, I will create a dialogue with residents, town staff and the other council members. I will work with those parties to develop a mutual purpose and align with the long-term growth plan of Holly Springs. In addition, I will be transparent with residents to give them an understanding of the decisions being made.

How do you plan to make local government in Holly Springs more inclusive and equitable for all residents in the town who feel their voices are underrepresented?

As a community, we must understand our past to affect our future. As an elected official, it will be my duty to meet with residents and understand their views and appreciate our vast experiences. I will work with the local boards, chamber of commerce and residents to understand the views and concerns of businesses and residents. By creating a monthly communication, residents can be alerted to actions and updates within the council. I will also continue to patronize local businesses and work within the community and encourage underrepresented people to apply to local boards and serve. I will continue to encourage our council and staff to work to build diverse and equitable staff and boards that are representative of our diverse and inclusive community,

Please list any endorsements you’ve received.

• Wake County Democratic Party,
• Home Builders Association of Raleigh-Wake County
• Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors

If there is anything you would like to add, please do so here.

My family made Holly Springs our home 16 years ago. I have seen this town grow and change into the magnificence of today. As I witnessed the population growth, I embraced it and became involved in affecting change. Holly Springs is a place where we all can live and enjoy the beauty of our area. As in the case of many towns with rapid growth, we have witnessed infrastructure concerns. As we grow, I will work to plan a future where Holly Springs can keep its small-town charm and manage its growth efficiently and responsibly. Developing walking and bike paths and a connected community is vital so families can have alternate ways of travel throughout the community. Holly Springs is a great community, and I look forward to serving and projecting us into the future as I ask for your vote on Nov. 7.

This story was originally published October 22, 2023 at 3:27 PM.

Kristen Johnson

The News & Observer

919-829-4532

Kristen Johnson is a local government reporter covering Durham for The News & Observer. She previously covered Cary and western Wake County. Prior to coming home to the Triangle, she reported for The Fayetteville Observer and spent time covering politics and culture in Washington, D.C. She is an alumna of UNC at Charlotte and American University.